Fourth Suspect Named in Alleged Illegal Wiretapping of President Prabowo

Indonesian Police Name Fourth Suspect in Alleged Presidential Wiretapping Scheme

On Tuesday, the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) named former National Police chief and presidential chief of staff Listyo Sigit Prabowo as a suspect. The investigation centers on allegations that these individuals conducted wiretapping without legal basis, targeting not only the president but also government officials, politicians, journalists, NGO representatives, and businesspeople between 2025 and 2026.

President Prabowo Subianto has appointed Lieutenant General Ariyo Windutomo as Acting Presidential Chief of Staff following the dismissal of Listyo Sigit Prabowo. pic.twitter.com/aTAZO80Dsc

— https://x.com/thejakartaglobe/status/2118244432256598308

The Role of the Fourth Suspect

Bareskrim identified the fourth suspect as Slamet Uliandi, a former high-ranking official who had previously been questioned as a witness. Investigators upgraded his status after concluding there was sufficient preliminary evidence.

The investigation alleges that officers responsible for surveillance systems, including Ahrie and Eko, were required to obtain Slamet’s approval before carrying out wiretapping. In early October, Ahrie allegedly sought Slamet’s permission to delete intercepted data, and Slamet approved the request, authorizing the deletion of files containing previous wiretap recordings. The three previously named suspects—Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Ahrie Sonta, and Eko Hadi—are currently being detained at the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) headquarters. Slamet has not been detained because he is recovering from a stroke.

Indonesia's Former Police Chief Named Suspect in Wiretapping of President Prabowo

“The alleged wiretapping may constitute treason and endanger state security,” presidential spokesperson Prasetyo Hado told reporters.

The Justice Minister, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, identified the suspects only by their initials but confirmed one was an “active police general,” widely reported to be Listyo Sigit Prabowo.

A Test of Institutional Integrity

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Dudung Abdurachman framed the case as an opportunity for reform within the National Police.

The alleged wiretapping may constitute treason and endanger state security — Photo: The Jakarta Post

The scandal has placed President Prabowo under increasing pressure. His government has already faced criticism for its handling of the economy and destructive wildfires in the country.

Authorities have seized evidence in the form of 11 mobile phones, an iPad, and four flash drives. If convicted, the suspects face up to 10 years in prison. The investigation remains ongoing, with police yet to disclose the full scope of the operations or the identities of all potential surveillance targets.

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President Dismisses Presidential Chief of Staff

President Prabowo has already dismissed Listyo from his post as presidential chief of staff.

As the investigation unfolds, the public is urged to remain calm and avoid being influenced by unverified information. “Let us remain calm, avoid being swayed by unverified information, and continue to preserve unity and solidarity,” Minister Abdurachman stated.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto sacks chief of staff Listyo Sigit Prabowo after his detention over alleged illegal wiretapping. Listyo, who served as National Police chief for five years before his appointment as Presidential Chief of Staff in early October 2026, was among… pic.twitter.com/RblAQhMGEn

— https://x.com/SprinterReport/status/2118138943778767081